MARGAO
After supporting the BJP-led government during the last five years, willthese three Salcete MLAs “ Avertano Furtado (Navelim), Benjamin D’Silva (Velim) and Caitu Silva (Benaulim) -- sail in the “Independent” boat with the support of the ruling BJP yet again in the ensuing election?
Or, will they chart out an independent course in their minority-dominated constituencies sans backing of the ruling party, where the BJP has little or no presence, especially in Velim and Benaulim?
These questions have come to the fore with the BJP unveiling its road map in Salcete’s Catholic heartland comprising Velim and Benaulim, besides, Nuvem. While BJP President Vinay Tendulkar on Tuesday announced that the party will back Independents in Velim and Benaulim, both Benjamin and Caitu were quick to state that the BJP is yet to approach them with any such offer.
What’s interesting to note is that Tendulkar on Wednesday told The Goan that the BJP has still not finalized the Independent candidates the party will support in these seats, insisting that the party will take a call in the next few days.
Other than Avertano, who is open to taking BJP’s support as he seeks re-election in Navelim as an independent, both Benjamin and Caitu appear treading a cautious path, least their political opponents paint them saffron and leave them stranded during the campaign.
Unlike Navelim, which plays host to a 5000-strong BJP vote bank, Velim and Benaulim have little presence of the BJP “ a factor which may again weigh heavily on the minds of both Benjamin and Caitu before they publicly accept BJP’s support.
Says Velim MLA, Benjamin D’Silva: “Though I had supported the BJP government, I had never been part of the party. When I was elected as an independent in 2012, I had no option than to support the government to bring a host of development projects in Velim. If any party wishes to support my candidature, I have no problem. But, I am neither party of any political party nor have I been approached by any party offering support,” he added.
Caitu echoed similar sentiments. The Benaulim MLA pointed out that it was not he, but his Goa Vikas Party which had supported the BJP government. “I am not aware whether the BJP will support my Independent candidature or not. Few days back, a Congress leader had spoken about supporting the Independents. But I will welcome any support from any quarter if it is offered without any condition,” he said, while asserting that he had supported the government to usher in a host of development projects in Benaulim.
Incidentally, of the eight Assembly constituencies in Salcete, Navelim, Velim and Benaulim have turned out to be major beneficiaries of the BJP-led government in terms of development projects. When Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar was the CM, he made it a point to either visit these constituencies every month or hold a joint to review the progress of works.
